Pacers' Rick Carlisle Weighs in On Late Foul Against Myles Turner in Game 1 vs. Knicks
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Pacers’ Rick Carlisle Weighs in On Late Foul Against Myles Turner in Game 1 vs. Knicks

The Indiana Pacers saw Game 1 slip away against the New York Knicks on Monday night, in part due to a controversial illegal screen call that was whistled against Myles Turner with 12 seconds left in the game and Indiana trailing by one point.

Turner set a screen on Donte DiVincenzo, who sold the contact and was rewarded with the call from officials. The Pacers challenged but were unsuccessful.

After the game, Rick Carlisle couldn't hide his frustration with the decision from the referees, saying that Indiana wasn't "expecting to get calls" in New York.

"I don't want to talk about the officiating. We're not expecting to get calls in here,” Carlisle said. “It would've been nice if they'd laid off that one, but they didn't. That's just the way it goes.

"We challenged it, they reviewed it. They got a bunch of people in New Jersey that agreed with them, so, that's just the way it goes."

A technical foul against Andrew Nembhard saw Jalen Brunson make it a two-point game at the line, and he soon tacked on an additional two points on the ensuing possession. New York held on to win, 121–117.

Carlisle was clearly not thrilled with the officials for refusing to look the other way on Turner's illegal screen given the circumstances, but maintained that the team would simply need to learn from the situation.

Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals is set for Wednesday at Madison Square Garden, with tip-off coming at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Donte DiVincenzo, Indiana Pacers, Myles Turner, New York Knicks, Rick Carlisle
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Donte DiVincenzo's Controversial Flop vs. Pacers Drew Strong Reaction From Joel Embiid
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Donte DiVincenzo’s Controversial Flop vs. Pacers Drew Strong Reaction From Joel Embiid

The New York Knicks benefitted from a controversial call late into the fourth quarter during Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers, as officials determined that Myles Turner set an illegal screen on Donte DiVincenzo with 12 seconds left on the game clock.

DiVincenzo sold the contact with Turner, flopping massively as he hit the deck with his arms flailing. Officials didn't seem to think it was a flop, however, and despite a Pacers' coaches challenge, the ruling of an illegal screen stood following a review.

The controversial call from the officials, as well as DiVincenzo's stunning acting job, prompted a bold one-word response from Joel Embiid, who shared his thoughts on the situation on X.

DiVincenzo may have successfully sold the contact and fooled the referees, but it seems Embiid wasn't quite so easily tricked, and he couldn't help but have a laugh after the game-changing sequence in Game 1.

Of course, Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers were bounced in the first round of the playoffs by New York, though that didn't dissuade the 30-year-old from weighing in on the situation.

The Knicks escaped Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in wild fashion, thanks to some sloppy play down the stretch from Indiana and a crucial ruling from officials on Turner's moving screen, one which it seems Embiid could barely believe.

Donte DiVincenzo, Indiana Pacers, Joel Embiid, Myles Turner, New York Knicks
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Obi Toppin's Emphatic Between-the-Legs Dunk vs. Knicks Left NBA Fans in Awe
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Obi Toppin’s Emphatic Between-the-Legs Dunk vs. Knicks Left NBA Fans in Awe

Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin made a statement during the third quarter of Monday's Game 1 against the New York Knicks, when he threw down a gigantic between-the-legs dunk on his former team.

After T.J. McConnell poked the ball free from Jalen Brunson, Toppin recovered the loose ball and turned on the jets. The 26-year-old shot past Josh Hart and broke free for an open dunk, and he didn't hesitate to turn to the Eastbay when the spotlight was on him.

Toppin, who played the first three years of his NBA career in New York and is a Brooklyn native, offered Knicks fans a trip down memory lane with the highlight-reel dunk, reminding them just how devastating a finisher he can be when given some space at the rim.

NBA fans on social media were incredibly impressed with Toppin's Eastbay dunk, and they sounded off on X in the aftermath.

Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Obi Toppin
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Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Wins 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama Wins 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year

San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama enjoyed a tremendous first season in the NBA after being selected with the No. 1 pick back in June's NBA draft.

Now, the 20-year-old has been awarded for his standout play, taking home this year's NBA Rookie of the Year honors.

Wembanyama received all 99 first-place votes for the award, making him a unanimous selection for the Rookie of the Year. The Frenchman becomes the first unanimous Rookie of the Year winner since Karl-Anthony Towns in 2015-16, and the sixth all-time.

During his rookie campaign, Wembanyama made league history by becoming the first player to ever record 1,500 points, 700 rebounds, 250 assists, 250 blocks and 100 threes in a single season. He posted season averages of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and a league-high 3.6 blocks per game. His 3.6 blocks per game were the most by a player in a single season since Hassan Whiteside averaged 3.7 blocks in 2015-'16.

Wembanyama joins Tim Duncan and David Robinson as the only players in Spurs' franchise history to win Rookie of the Year.

Finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting was Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren, who received 98 of 99 second-place votes, followed by Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets, Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski and Dallas Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II.

NBA, San Antonio Spurs, Victor Wembanyama
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TRANSFER PORTAL: Ole Miss Defensive Tackle Demarcus Smith Commits To UAB
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

TRANSFER PORTAL: Ole Miss Defensive Tackle Demarcus Smith Commits To UAB

UAB will have some extra depth along their interior defensive line in 2024 with the addition of former Ole Miss tackle Demarcus Smith. Smith announced his commitment to UAB via social media on Monday afternoon.

Smith is a Birmingham native and a former standout at A.H. Parker High School. He was a three-star recruit in the class of 2021.

RELATED: TRANSFER PORTAL: Texas Reportedly Lands San José State DB Jay'Vion Cole

Smith spent the previous three seasons with the Rebels, making his first appearance in a game in 2023. He appeared in two games with one tackle last season.

Smith joins the Blazers with two years of eligibility remaining. Ole Miss' 2023 roster had him listed at 6'3" and 295 pounds.

UAB enter their second season in the American Athletic Conference and their second under the direction of head coach Trent Dilfer. The Blazers finished the 2023 campaign with a record of 4-8.

Birmingham, Demarcus Smith, Ole Miss, transfer, Transfer News, Transfer Portal, transfer portal news, Transfer Rumors, UAB, UAB Blazers, UAB Football
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Wells Fargo Championship Picks, Predictions, and Odds (Bet on Wyndham Clark to Go Back-to-Back)
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Wells Fargo Championship Picks, Predictions, and Odds (Bet on Wyndham Clark to Go Back-to-Back)

After a couple of weeks of less-than-exciting PGA Tour events, we're about to enter a stretch of must-watch golf, starting with this week's Wells Fargo Championship.

Quail Hollow is set to host the sixth signature event and the majority of the best golfers on Tour are set to compete in it. With that being said, there's one notable absentee this week, Scottie Scheffler. The No. 1-ranked golfer in the world is awaiting the birth of his first child so he'll be taking the week off before heading to Valhalla for next week's PGA Championship.

That leaves Rory McIlroy as the betting favorite this week, fresh off a win alongside Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic.

Let's dive into everything you need to know to bet on this event, including the odds and my three picks to win.

Wells Fargo Championship Odds

The top 15 odds to win listed below are via FanDuel Sportsbook:

  • Rory McIlroy +700
  • Xander Schauffele +1000
  • Ludvig Aberg +1100
  • Wyndham Clark +1800
  • Patrick Cantlay +2000
  • Max Homa +2200
  • Collin Morikawa +2500
  • Tommy Fleetwood +2500
  • Viktor Hovland +2800
  • Sahith Theegala +3000
  • Justin Thomas +3000
  • Cameron Young +3000
  • Hideki Matsuyama +3300
  • Matt Fitzpatrick +3300
  • Tony Finau +3500

Wells Fargo Championship How to Watch

  • Thursday: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)
  • Friday: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)
  • Saturday: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET (Golf Channel), 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. ET (CBS)
  • Sunday: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET (Golf Channel), 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. ET (CBS)

Wells Fargo Championship Purse

  • Dates: Thursday, May 9 - Sunday, May 12
  • Purse: $20 million ($3.6 million to winner)
  • Defending champion: Wyndham Clark

Wells Fargo Championship Notable Golfers

Wyndham Clark: Wyndham Clark's magical 2023 season started right here at Quail Hollow where he captured his first PGA Tour win. He ran away from the field en route to a four-stroke victory over Xander Schauffele and then followed it up by winning the U.S. Open in June. He's fresh off a T3 finish at the RBC Heritage so he may be rounding back into form after a missed cut at the Masters.

Max Homa: Max Homa has won this event twice, but only once when it was at Quail Hollow. His second win came in 2022 when this event was hosted at TPC Potomac due to Quail Hollow hosting the Presidents Cup. He's still searching for his first win in over a year and returning to this course could be the perfect opportunity for him to do exactly that.

Wells Fargo Championship Best Bets

Wyndham Clark +1800

The first name that sticks out to me is the defending champion, Wyndham Clark. His T3 finish at the RBC Heritage helps me forget his abysmal performance at Augusta and it's tough not to think he can win here again in 2024.

He's second on the Tour in total strokes gained this season behind only Scottie Scheffler, and he's already proven 2023 wasn't a flash in the pan by winning the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February. He followed up that win with a second-place finishes at both the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship.

Quail Hollow fits his style of golf to perfection. You have to be long off the tee here and Clark enters this week ranking sixth in driving distance along with seventh in total ball striking.

Don't be surprised if he successfully defends his title this week.

Hideki Matsuyama +3300

Hideki Matsuyama was one of the more popular bets at the Masters last month, but the 2021 winner at Augusta had a disappointing outing, finishing T38. Well, I'm not ready to jump off the Matsuyama train quite yet, especially now that he has had some rest and should be good to go at Quail Hollow.

The 32-year-old enters this week's event ranking ninth in total strokes gained and, more importantly, leads the field in strokes gained: around-the-green, an area of utmost importance at Quail Hollow.

He has had solid performances here in the past, including a top-five placing in 2017, and I believe he's being extremely undervalued on the odds board at his current price.

Rickie Fowler +6600

My dark horse bet this week is none other than Rickie Fowler. He hasn't had his best stuff in 2023 but has improved in his last two starts, finishing T30 at the Masters and following it up with a T18 finish at the RBC Heritage. That could be a sign that he's finding his form and now he returns to a course he's had success at in his career.

Fowler got his first PGA Tour victory here back in 2012 and finished inside the top five three times since then. That means we can get long odds on a golfer who seems to be rounding into form at a course that he's extremely comfortable at.

He's worth a sprinkle at 66/1.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

You can check out all of Iain's bets here!

Golf, Hideki Matsuyama, PGA Tour, Rickie Fowler, Wells Fargo Championship, Wyndham Clark
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NBA World All Made the Same Joke Over Ben Simmons' Met Gala Outfit
6 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

NBA World All Made the Same Joke Over Ben Simmons’ Met Gala Outfit

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons wowed attendees and media on the Met Gala carpet on Monday night, but NBA fans instantly began making the same joke about the player's outfit.

Simmons wore a Thom Browne piece, which appeared to be a black suit with sequins and plaid design near the top. He wore an overcoat mimicking the same pattern as the suit.

But the part of the look that fans joked about was Simmons's bag, which was a briefcase with a giant clock shown on it.

Notably, Simmons has missed a lot of time during his NBA career thus far due to various injuries and mental health issues. Many fans consider him a bust of sorts as he was the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft.

Because of this, fans all started tweeting jabs at him regarding his missed "time" and very little time on the "clock" in his NBA career. Take a look at some of the responses.

Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets, NBA
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Kentucky Derby Runner-up Jockey Could Face Disciplinary Action After Video Review
6 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Kentucky Derby Runner-up Jockey Could Face Disciplinary Action After Video Review

The 2024 Kentucky Derby was as thrilling as it gets. The 150th Run for the Roses finished in breathtaking fashion in a three-way photo finish in the closes race the event has seen since 1996. Many are still buzzing about the result, including some controversy involving jockey Tyler Gaffalione, who was riding runner-up Sierra Leone.

Gaffalione has been ordered to do a film review of the race with stewards on Thursday. Gaffalione could face discipline after the review.

The incident in question came on the final straightaway as Sierra Leone and Forever Young closed on eventual winner Mystik Dan. Gaffalione and Sierra Leone were positioned on the outside, with Forever Young to their left and Mystik Dan on the inside. As the horses neared the finish, Gaffalione reached out with his left arm and appeared to grab Forever Young, ridden by jockey Ryusei Sakai. He maintained contact for a few seconds as the horses appeared to be jostling for position.

Here is the statement from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission issued on Monday:

"The Stewards review every race in Kentucky live and by video replay before posting it official and they followed the same procedure for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. After conducting their standard review of the race, determining no further review or investigation was necessary to conclude there were no incidents that altered the finish of the race, and seeing there were no objections filed, the Stewards posted the Kentucky Derby official. Following the race, the Stewards ordered Tyler Gaffalione, jockey aboard Sierra Leone, to film review on May 9, 2024. The Stewards conduct film reviews routinely to review the conduct of jockeys during a race. The Stewards, in their discretion, can take disciplinary action against a jockey following the review."

It's unclear what will happen as a result of the review, but SI's Pat Forde speculated a short suspension would likely be the most that would come of it. And it could result in no punishment at all.

Kentucky Derby, Mystik Dan, Tyler Gaffalione
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Giants Pitcher Mason Black Recorded His First MLB Strikeout and His Dad Couldn't Believe It
6 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Giants Pitcher Mason Black Recorded His First MLB Strikeout and His Dad Couldn’t Believe It

The San Francisco Giants called up pitcher Mason Black from Triple-A ahead of Monday's game vs. the Philadelphia Phillies, giving Black the opportunity to make his MLB debut in his home state of Pennsylvania.

Black, who's originally from Scranton, Penn., made the start on Monday for the Giants. He recorded his first career strikeout in MLB, and his parents were fortunately in attendance to see this milestone happen in person.

His father, George, could barely speak at first when NBC Sports Philadelphia interviewed him after the first inning because of how excited he was for his son.

"This is awesome," Black said. "I sat there in disbelief because I couldn't believe that he did that. I think it's unbelievable what he's able to achieve."

Black finished his first MLB start with eight hits, five earned runs and four strikeouts in 4.1 innings pitched. He threw 51 strikes out of the 84 pitches thrown.

MLB, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants
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Jalen Brunson Gets NYC Nike Billboard With Spot-on Message
6 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Jalen Brunson Gets NYC Nike Billboard With Spot-on Message

The New York Knicks are preparing for an Eastern Conference semifinals tilt against the Indiana Pacers, with the series getting underway on Monday. Ahead of Game 1, a new Nike billboard featuring star guard Jalen Brunson was plastered in the middle of New York City.

The billboard, which pictured Brunson from behind with one arm in the air, had a short but sweet message written above the Nike logo.

"Don't sleep."

It's a fitting message for the once underrated guard who has found an NBA home in "The City That Never Sleeps."

Despite an excellent college career, in which he won a national championship at Villanova, Brunson fell into the second round during the 2018 NBA draft. After four seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, the team who drafted him, Brunson was offered a contract vastly below market value, which he declined before signing with the Knicks.

Being slept on is nothing new to Brunson, who, coming off his first-ever All-Star campaign, just became the first player since Michael Jordan in 1993 to score 37 or more points in four consecutive playoff games.

With Games 1 and 2 set to be played at Madison Square Garden, Nike capitalized on a prime opportunity to recognize Brunson's postseason dominance with the remarkable billboard right in the heart of the city.

Jalen Brunson, NBA, NBA Playoffs, New York Knicks
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